Sometimes, not making noise at training camp is a good thing. Other times, it’s absolutely the worst thing. This isn’t one of those “no press is good press” deals — bad press exists, and a couple viral clips can take away a roster spot. But silence? Being unnoticeable? That can be just as brutal.
For Austin Schlottmann, it’s the former, and it might be exactly what does him in when it’s time to trim the roster to 53. He’s entering his second season with the New York Giants after a relatively invisible first year due to injury.
The G-Men signed the former Broncos and Vikings veteran to a two-year deal, hoping he’d serve as a reliable backup center behind John Michael Schmitz Jr. Unfortunately, his Big Blue tenure ended before it ever really began, after suffering a broken fibula during training camp. The injury kept him out until Week 18. And now, after a full offensive line overhaul this offseason, even a healthy Schlottmann looks like a long shot to crack the roster.
Austin Schlottmann is on the outside looking in at Giants training camp
General manager Joe Schoen knew he had to do something about the offensive line. A healthy Andrew Thomas and a potential position switch for Evan Neal might’ve been enough to keep things afloat, but depth was a necessity.
Schoen brought back Greg Van Roten, signed veterans Stone Forsythe and James Hudson III, and drafted Marcus Mbow out of Purdue. That’s a lot of newcomers joining an already full room consisting of Thomas, Neal, Jon Runyan, Michael Schmitz, Jermaine Eluemunor, Jake Kubas, and Joshua Ezeudu. That leaves very little room for Schlottmann.
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And if training camp has been any indication, his lack of being seen anywhere is becoming a major problem.
The G-Men will likely hold onto 10 linemen when it’s trimming time. There are currently 16 players on the 90-man offseason roster, meaning something’s gotta give. Schlottmann might not be the first name that comes to mind, but he presents an interesting case — unfortunately, against himself.
Teams aren’t exactly lining up to keep 29-year-olds with limited upside when they’ve got younger, higher-ceiling options offering similar traits. Take Kubas, for example. The second-year player surprised some people last season after stepping up when injuries decimated the line. He’s a versatile interior lineman who plays a similar game to Schlottmann, but with significantly more upside.
Even Mbow figures to get the nod over the seven-year veteran. He’s been having a strong camp, and his versatility knows no bounds.
So while Schlottmann isn’t necessarily having a bad camp, he is having a quiet one... too quiet. And in an offensive line room filled to the brim with options, not being able to stand out all but guarantees an early exit from East Rutherford.